Andrew Jeffers, interim CEO of Food and Fibre Great South Coast, shares his insights on water security challenges facing Southwest Victoria's $4.6 billion agricultural sector. From his unique perspective bridging water management and agriculture, Andrew discusses climate adaptation strategies, infrastructure needs, and the current Western Sustainable Water Strategy

The conversation also explores the broader challenges facing regional agriculture, including labour and workforce shortages, the role of technology, leadership development and the importance of investing in the skills and productivity of the people already working within the industry.

We discuss:

• Andrew's journey from the water sector into agricultural advocacy

• The role of Food and Fibre Great South Coast

• Why natural rainfall has historically been a competitive advantage for the region

• What recent dry conditions have exposed about water security

• The infrastructure challenges facing Southwest Victorian agriculture

• Why dairy farms require such large and reliable volumes of water

• Preparing farm businesses for a drier and more variable climate

• The Western Sustainable Water Strategy and its 50-year outlook

• Why farmer and community input is essential

• Labour shortages and the future agricultural workforce

• The role of technology in attracting people to agriculture

• Investing in leadership, education, efficiency and on-farm productivity

Visit the Food & Fibre Great South Coast website for all of the resources and factsheet or complete the farmer survey about water security

Submissions to the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy are open until 30th August, please access this here

In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.

In this episode, recorded at the Australian Dairy Conference, I sit down with 2026 Programming Chair Ella Credlin to talk about what goes into creating a conference for nearly 950 dairy farmers and industry professionals.

Ella shares her journey into dairy, stepping into leadership, and why she chose to give back to an industry she's invested in. We unpack how the program comes together — from brainstorming topics and chasing speakers, to making sure there's something valuable for farmers of all ages, herd sizes and regions.

We also talk about key themes from this year's conference, including legacy, productivity, diversification and the power of storytelling — and why connection and momentum matter just as much as the content itself.

A behind-the-scenes look at leadership, collaboration and the future of dairy.

In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP

Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Keep an eye on Instagram or Facebook or check it out on the Website for all of the details.

In this episode we continue the conversation with Gab Toscan and Michael Dennis from Breakwater Insurance, shifting the focus to the practical realities of insurance inside a dairy business.

This part of the chat dives deeper into the insurable risks dairy farmers face day-to-day — including employment, business continuity, and how events like fire and flood can impact a business beyond the immediate damage. Gab and Michael share real-world examples from working alongside dairy farmers, highlighting why insurance can feel expensive when it's not clearly understood, but becomes invaluable when it's set up with intention and paired with a practical plan.

The conversation also builds on the role of Dairy Protect, a dairy-focused insurance project designed to make insurance work for dairy farmers through specialist brokers who understand the pressures, complexity, and pace of running a dairy operation.

This episode was made in partnership with Dairy Protect and Cream of the Crop.

Contact details:

• Website: https://www.dairyprotect.com.au

• Phone: 1300 063 888

• Instagram: @dairyprotect

Disclaimer:

This episode provides general information only and does not constitute financial product or other advice. The information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances and review the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decisions. Information is current as at the date of recording and may be subject to change. A copy of the Financial Services Guide (FSG) is available at dairyprotect.com.au.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP

Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Keep an eye on Instagram or Facebook or check it out on the Website for all of the details.

If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.

In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.